AutoArt 1:10 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana

We love the fact that AUTO art has started delving more often into the world of motorcycles for subject matter. They can dial in all that great experience modeling the world’s finest cars and apply them to historic two wheel creatures and do so in a variety of scales.

Take this 1/10 model of the Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana. Based on a product line going back to the 80’s, this latest GSX was re-worked specifically for the American market in a severely limited edition. How severe? In order to buy one, you not only had to pony up the cash, but you had to enter an essay contest to qualify. The bike itself is an absolute weapon (more on that in a moment).

The model appears to be something of solid steel – with that solid steel look one often associates with pre-war German GP machines. That’s fitting because the parts and pieces here are well engineered –look between the handlebars and you find a readable gauge cluster and a smoked glass windshield. Look behind the massive gas tank and find a soft leather saddle. Put a modicum of pressure on the saddle and the working suspension comes alive. Spin the rear tire and chain drive functions. The 1100cc engine is authentically modeled right down to the midnight black dual exhaust headers.

There is more plastic then I’d like to see and it shows at points such as the boot storage area and the handbrakes. There are also a few very shortcuts that are mildly annoying, such as decaled locks on the gas tank. But the look and feel of the treaded tires and the ridiculously detailed massive front brakes will reaffirm AUTO art’s mastery and why you are so glad they are making more bikes.

Katana is a type of Japanese sword with a handle long enough for two hands. It has roots in the rites of the samurai and it’s prowess as a cutting tool was mythic. This model will cut quite a presence in your collection. Even if it is a bit plastic, it’s still fantastic.

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